To see the change, you need to be part of the action.
In a bid to empower young people (aged 16-25) to shape change on the issues that matter most to them, State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting created the Bancroft Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
It was launched in April this year to coincide with Youth Week and by 16 June, the inaugural group gathered for their first meeting, setting the foundations for how the council would operate and what they hoped to achieve. A second callout for members in August boosted the group to six young leaders, each bringing their own experiences to the table.
“I am really proud to inaugurate this dynamic and passionate group,” Mr Whiting said. “I really want to see young people having the faith to push for a more secure future for all of us.”
At the helm is 18-year-old convenor Isa Bowen, who also serves as the 2025 Youth Member of Parliament for Bancroft. Isa leads a diverse crew, including 19-year-old Pemay, an acting teacher from the North Lakes YMCA, who said she believes in the power of creativity to liberate young minds. Also aboard is 16-year-old Lizzie from Grace Lutheran College, fresh from her adventure sailing on the Young Endeavour.
Joining her is fellow Grace student Lily, 16, who balances her studies with work at Westfield North Lakes, along with Emily, 19, a Moreton Bay librarian who said she is passionate about providing free tutoring for local youth. Rounding out the group is Ky, 18, a Kairos Community College student driven by the mental wellbeing of young people across Queensland.
“I am so grateful and privileged to be part of engaging young people from our local community,” Isa said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the young people in our council.”
Driving Change Through Youth Leadership and Advocacy
A major goal of the YAC is to ensure young voices are heard in Queensland Parliament. To make this happen, Mr Whiting tasked the council with producing three briefing papers on issues of their choice. They selected transport, the environment and mental health. On 15 October, the group travelled to Brisbane to witness Mr Whiting deliver their first paper as a speech in parliament, an opportunity that gave them a firsthand look at democracy in action.
With two more papers to complete, community events ahead and ongoing contributions as youth representatives, there is plenty of work in store for the Bancroft YAC.
More members are wanted in the YAC. If you have a passion to make a difference, join the group! To find out more, visit bit.ly/bancroftyac
Read more stories from The North Lakes Guide print magazine here:
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